### Arc 4: **The Gathering Storm**
#### Chapter 10: **Rescue and Retaliation**
The tension in the safe house was palpable as Jae-min, Riho, and Mia finalized their plan to rescue Hana. The clock was ticking, and Kael's threat loomed over them like a dark cloud. Jae-min paced the room, his mind racing through every possible outcome.
Mia broke the silence. "The signal from Kael's broadcast was traced to an abandoned factory on the outskirts of the city. It's heavily guarded, but I've mapped out the patrol routes. If we stick to the plan, we can get in and out without a direct confrontation."
Riho snorted. "Since when has anything ever gone according to plan?"
Jae-min gave a small smile. "That's why we're bringing backup."
---
**The Assembly**
As night fell, Jae-min called in a few trusted allies—members of a mercenary group he had saved in a previous encounter. They arrived armed and ready, their loyalty unquestionable.
"We owe you," their leader, Marcus, said, gripping Jae-min's hand firmly. "If this Kael guy's threatening someone close to you, we'll make sure he regrets it."
Jae-min nodded. "Thank you. This mission is dangerous, but I trust all of you to handle it."
Mia laid out the infiltration plan, marking key positions on a holographic map. "Marcus and his team will provide a diversion at the east entrance. Riho and I will enter through the west and disable the security systems. Jae-min, you'll take the central route to find Hana. The system will guide you."
The system's avatar appeared, her expression unusually serious. "I'll monitor all communications and provide tactical support. Kael is unpredictable, so stay alert."
---
**The Infiltration**
The factory loomed in the distance, its broken windows glowing faintly from the lights within. The team moved silently through the shadows, splitting into their respective groups.
Marcus and his team began their diversion, planting small explosives along the eastern wall. The deafening sound of explosions shattered the stillness of the night, drawing Kael's guards away from their posts.
Riho and Mia slipped through the western entrance, their movements swift and precise. Mia worked on disabling the security cameras, while Riho took out any stragglers with her stun baton.
Jae-min, guided by the system's directions, navigated the maze-like interior of the factory. His heart pounded as he approached the room where Hana was being held.
---
**The Confrontation**
Jae-min burst into the room, his eyes immediately locking onto Hana. She was tied to a chair, her face bruised but her spirit unbroken.
"Jae-min," she whispered, her voice hoarse.
Before he could reach her, Kael stepped out of the shadows, flanked by two heavily armed guards.
"Right on time," Kael said, his voice dripping with mockery. "I knew you wouldn't disappoint."
Jae-min clenched his fists. "Let her go, Kael."
Kael chuckled. "And miss the opportunity to see you squirm? Not a chance."
Jae-min's mind raced as he evaluated his options. The system's voice echoed in his ear. **"Stay calm. Wait for the others to execute their part of the plan."**
---
**The Turning Point**
Riho and Mia had successfully disabled the factory's security systems and were now making their way to Jae-min's location. Meanwhile, Marcus and his team were holding off the reinforcements Kael had called in.
As Kael's guards moved toward Jae-min, he sprang into action. Using his enhanced reflexes—one of the abilities granted by the system—he disarmed the first guard with a swift kick and used the man's weapon to incapacitate the second.
Kael, unfazed, pulled out a sleek handgun and aimed it at Hana.
"Take one more step, and she dies," he said coldly.
Jae-min froze, his grip tightening on the weapon.
Just then, Riho appeared behind Kael, her stun baton crackling with electricity. "I don't think so," she said, striking him in the back.
Kael collapsed to the ground, the gun slipping from his grasp.
---
**The Escape**
Jae-min rushed to Hana, untying her bonds. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Hana nodded weakly. "I'm fine. Just get me out of here."
The group regrouped outside the factory, where Marcus and his team were waiting. Despite a few injuries, everyone had made it out alive.
As they drove away, Jae-min couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over. Kael was a dangerous man, and tonight's victory would only fuel his desire for revenge.
---
**Back at the Safe House**
Hana was treated for her injuries, and the team debriefed.
"You did well," Marcus said, clapping Jae-min on the back. "But you've made a powerful enemy tonight. Be careful."
Jae-min nodded. "I will. Thank you for your help."
As the night wore on, Jae-min found himself alone, staring out the window. The system appeared beside him, her expression softer than usual.
"You did the right thing," she said.
"I hope so," Jae-min replied. "But I know this is far from over."
The system smiled. "Then we'll face whatever comes next. Together."
With that, Jae-min felt a renewed sense of determination. Kael might have been a step ahead before, but now the playing field was even. And Jae-min was ready for whatever came next.
---
**To Be Continued...**